There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Fisher, N. H.

Maffi, C.

Perry, W. J.

Simpson, C. J.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

* E15-1O.1.2.4
SKYLAB-EREP QUARTERLY REPORT FCR PERIOD 10VErMBER 197A - JAILUARY 1975
GEOLOGICAL IhNVESTIGATIO1S
1. Title - A study of the usefulness of Skylab EREP data for earth resources
studies in Australia.
2. NASA HQ proposal identification number-SR 557.
3. Accomplishments - On 23/12/1974 the Australian Government Contractor
for photographic processing supplied us with copiesof the 2x enlargements
from 3190B photos, which had arrived in Australia on 28/11/1974.
This high quality early generation material was received when the study
(u of the Canberra area was almost completed on previously received S190A
photos. It was therefore decided to extend the study to include the
I N assessment of that material.
r- r ) The study of the Alice Springs area was commenced at a later date.
therefore it is based on the assessment of the 2x enlargements of the
S190B photos, and the 3190A material will be compared with it.
o Positive-transparencies of both areas were studied by using light tables
M ra and stereoscopes equipped with 3x binoculars.
PL40_ All the photographs examined are from SL3. The SL4 photos have more
M tn U)A extensive cloud cover.
a 4 o 4. Results - S190B enlargements are more suitable than S190A enlargements
for the conventional photo-interpretation approach we are using.
M PQ , 4.1 Canberra test area
a) S190A photos
SThe area studied, about 18 000 km2 , is covered by the overlapping part
o C of frames 180 and 181. First the colour photos were studied, then
o o these were compared with photos in the other bands. Positive
transparencies at 1:1 000 000 scale were used.
E- 49 Lithological interpretation does not appear to be feasible on S190C)
photos because the landforms do not consistently reflect the
N- -4 < underlying rock types and the resolution of the photos is not high
E-Cn
c- = .- enough to allow the use of other identification criteria.
I • Bedding strike and dips are not visible on the S190A photos. Some
known faults appear to extend more than previously mapped; some new
faults were detected. A comparison between faults detected on SKYLAB
photos (A) and faults shown by the 1:250 000 scale geological map (B)
has shvwn that: 
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2.
Total number of faults in A: 66
Total number of faults in B: 84
Faults shown both by A and B: 21
Faults shown only by A: 45
Faults shown only by B: 63
A statistical analysis was carried out of linear features that could
be detected by the use of a stereoscope without magnification and
with 3x magnification. Rosette diagrams were prepared showing the
azimuth distribution of linear features for the total area and for
various lithological types, as they appear in existing geological'
maps. Evaluation of the results is in progress.
Most linear features detected without magnification on SKYLAB photos
had been detected on ERTS-1 transparencies examined with magnifying
lenses of powers up to 6x. The SKYLAB linear features detected with
3x magnification are more abundant than those detected on ERTS.
b) S190B photos
The area studied, about 6800 km2 , is covered by the overlapping part
of frames 144 and 145. Positive transparencies at 1:500 000 scale
were used.
The evaluation has just started; more detail than on S190A photos is
visible, particularly in fine drainage, linear features and rock
texture. These elements allow in some places rock type discrimination.
4.2 Alice Springs test area
Photographs studied: SL3, S190B Roll 84 Frames 122, 123, 124, 125
2x enlargement.
The combination of arid environment, ancient land surface, and rock
types of varying competence has resulted in the landforms of the
region strongly reflecting the underlying rock type.
Fold structures and dipping sediments are clearly displayed and it is
possible to interpret fold axial traces on S190B photography to an
accuracy comparable with that shown on 1:250 000 scale geological maps.
The direction of dip can be determined but dip values can only be
grouped into broad categories.
Faults can be recognized where they displace rock types, but many of
the faults shown on the 1:250 000 scale geological map are strike faults
and thus cannot be interpreted on the Skylab photography.
Different rock types can be broadly subdivided and correlated although
they cannot generally be classified into the same groups or formations
that are shown on geological maps.
It is significant that in the region studied surficial Cainozoic
and Tertiary materials can be readily interpreted. Various erosional/
depositional landforms, chemical and unconsolidated materials can be
mapped to an accuracy greater than is shown on the 1:250 000 scale
map. This has some significance in mineral exploration since
conglomeratic fan deposits and travertines of the region may contain
concentrations of radioactive minerals, and these rock types can be
reliably located on Skylab S190B colour photography.
5. The late arrivalof high quality material has lead to a re-assessment
of the investigation program. The consequence is that the final report
will be delayed for about two months.
6. Published articles - Nil
7. Recommendations - we recommend that the date for presentation o? the
final report be extended to 31/3/1975, to allow time to study recently
received SKYLAB - EREP data.
Bureau of Mineral Resources,
Canberra, 4 February 1975
Co-investigators C. Maffi
C.J. Simpson
W.J. Perry


A study of the usefulness of Skylab EREP data for earth resources studies in Australia

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